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ThumbJam
4+

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Description

ThumbJam is a powerful musical performance experience. You get over 40 high-quality real instruments multi-sampled exclusively for this app. Hundreds of included scales allow you to effortlessly play in any style from rock to classical, whether you are a musical novice or a seasoned professional.

"ThumbJam stands at the very top of the overcrowded music app world. The sounds included absolutely rival those found in pro instruments and making music on the app is a total joy. The only problem I have with this app is that I did not make it myself! Luckily, I'm able to work with the developer and offer a few good feature ideas as well as some choice sounds from my personal collection!"---======----

Even if you've only played air guitar, ThumbJam lets you sound like a pro. Pick an instrument and jam -- with all the scales to choose from you'll never hit a wrong note. The high quality instrument samples will make you sound like you just skipped years of music lessons.

For the performing musician, this app is awesome for soloing on an instrument you didn't bring along. Play in any key, any style -- go from a string ensemble to a wailing guitar. ThumbJam was developed and tested by musicians to feel and sound like a real instrument. You'll be surprised at how expressive it can be, make sure to check out the videos and audio at thumbjam.com.

ThumbJam makes use of tilt and shake to add vibrato, tremolo, note bends, and volume swells for more realistic and expressive results. It supports up to five (eleven on iPad) simultaneous touches and up to 32 voice polyphony, for each of up to 8 loaded instruments! Delay and stereo reverb add depth to the sound, and a resonant lowpass filter gives you more tone shaping power. Put on your headphones or plug in to your home stereo to experience some of the highest quality instruments in the App Store.

Build your own loops from the ground up or import your favorites and jam from there. Layer as many loops as you want, with different instruments for each. Export your loops as audio files or Ardour DAW sessions via WiFi. Copy and paste audio from other apps using AudioCopy/Paste as well the general pasteboard, via email, AudioShare, iTunes Document Sharing, or open directly in another application. Supports Audiobus and Inter-App-Audio for streaming sound to/from other apps in real-time, including state save/restore with Audiobus2.

Extensive MIDI input and output support over WiFi or Bluetooth, with any CoreMidi compatible device, or other apps on the same iOS device with virtual MIDI. Now also supports Ableton Link for tight sync between apps on the same network.

New powerful arpeggiator feature lets you play patterns with perfect time sync, from the screen or via MIDI control.

The app includes a huge variety of scales, from western to eastern. Save your favorites for quick access, or create your own in-app. You can even import new scales in the Scala format for complete flexibility.

You can also record your own multi-sampled instruments using a built-in or attached microphone, or from file import.

- Added x-axis pitch bend control mode, as well as bend sensitivity- Improved the Continuum play mode so that it is much more usable and expressive. Added round rate control and toggle for initial snapping.- Added a "Reset Settings to Default" in Prefs->Options

- Fixed Audiobus compatibility problem on iOS7 devices- Fixed orientation of sample import screen on iPad- Fixed arp enable/latch mini buttons on iPad when recording- Removed rotate locking option because it is no longer possible with the iPad split view capability- Fixed internal shutdown issue when using Audiobus- Fixed several tilt pitch bend going inactive issues- Selecting a new split no longer affects active latched arpeggiation- Fixed internal metronome sync with arp with no external sync- Fixed errant touch display when using/dismissing menus- Changed behavior when loading new presets from the main menu to only override the splits if the last loaded patch was a multi

Don't forget to update your reviews and ratings for the new version, it really helps! Also, please send feedback to support@thumbjam.com for any questions or concerns, as developers cannot respond to user reviews in the App Store.

2.5.1

Aug 16, 2016

This is mostly a bug fix release, but a few new features snuck in...

- Added x-axis pitch bend control mode, as well as bend sensitivity- Improved the Continuum play mode so that it is much more usable and expressive. Added round rate control and toggle for initial snapping.- Added a "Reset Settings to Default" in Prefs->Options

- Fixed Audiobus compatibility problem on iOS7 devices- Fixed orientation of sample import screen on iPad- Fixed arp enable/latch mini buttons on iPad when recording- Removed rotate locking option because it is no longer possible with the iPad split view capability- Fixed internal shutdown issue when using Audiobus- Fixed several tilt pitch bend going inactive issues- Selecting a new split no longer affects active latched arpeggiation- Fixed internal metronome sync with arp with no external sync- Fixed errant touch display when using/dismissing menus- Changed behavior when loading new presets from the main menu to only override the splits if the last loaded patch was a multi

Don't forget to update your reviews and ratings for the new version, it really helps! Also, please send feedback to support@thumbjam.com for any questions or concerns, as developers cannot respond to user reviews in the App Store.

2.5

May 20, 2016

New Features:

- Added Ableton Link support, along with time stretchable loops, so tempo can be changed at any time now- Added new arpeggiator feature, with multiple patterns and options. Playable on screen or via MIDI input.- Support for Audiobus Remote triggers, and updated Audiobus SDK (WARNING, Audiobus support is now available on iOS8 and above only in this version)- Now optimized for iPhone 6/6+ and iPad Pro, with slide-over and split view support on recent iPads- Added 3D Touch support on iPhone 6S/6S+ options for velocity, volume, and filter cutoff controls- MIDI MPE support on input for expressive controllers- Added static MIDI CC input bindings for many controls (see users guide in app for details)- Added touch velocity UI control separate from volume, useful for velocity layered patches- Added max pan width control and added random pan control option- Relocated split popup button for iPhone- Can now send midi volume for x-axis volume mode- Make x-axis velocity use more of the space, no more half width. (Can revert to old way in options)- Added support for importing Scala or SXML files inside a ZIP archive- Now changing presets from the main menu will override any multi-splits (preventing confusion). Changing instruments within a specific split can still be done from the splits panel.- Added new reverb type (made it default), added additional higher quality choice for original reverb too.- Updated LPF filter implementation- Added custom background image option- Added option to toggle visibility of note grid

Don't forget to update your reviews and ratings for the new version, it really helps! Also, please send feedback to support@thumbjam.com for any questions or concerns, as developers cannot respond to user reviews in the App Store.

Don't forget to update your reviews and ratings for the new version, it really helps! Also, please send feedback to support@thumbjam.com for any questions or concerns, as developers cannot respond to user reviews in the App Store.

2.3

Apr 17, 2013

- ALL orientations finally supported on iPad!- JACK support added, another way to stream audio and midi between apps. Get more info at http://www.crudebyte.com/jack-ios .

- fixed stuck sustain issue on second loaded instrument slot- fixed some MIDI output issues with split screen between first and second loaded instruments- fixed crashing issue in MIDI settings when VoiceOver is active

Please update your reviews and ratings for this version, and as always give us feedback via email at support@thumbjam.com or via the forums at thumbjam.com. Developers can't reply to App Store reviews even though we'd like to!

2.2

Dec 10, 2012

Introducing Audiobus support: Now you can stream live audio to and from ThumbJam directly with other Audiobus-compatible apps! See http://audiob.us for more information.

2.1.1

Jun 2, 2012

v 2.1.1 fixes some late-breaking issues in the v 2.1 update related to looping, and a few other small items:

- fixed loop loading and playback freeze issues- voiceover play area properly activates now- fixed hung notes when using MIDI input with scale lock and you change key/scale, and when using simultaneous instruments on different channels- updates loop display when deleting loops while stopped- updated graphics for retina iPad

Please remember to send any feedback to support@thumbjam.com or the forums at thumbjam.com. We like to help out our users, but have no ability to respond to App Store reviews. Also, don't forget to update your App Store review with the latest version number!

• Allows background recording, when TJ is being controlled by other MIDI-enable software or hardware, records both the generated audio and the incoming MIDI. • MIDI Thru mode option (translates scale lock mode if enabled) • Added Instrument Mute option which silences instrument audio output (Sound->Volume), useful when using ThumbJam as a MIDI controller • MIDI file export of active loops with 'Open In' in another app, or via email. Now puts all loops into a single Type 1 MIDI file, one track per loop. • Now responds to MIDI bank and program change messages, to change the loaded instrument, or quick key/scale slot (see manual for details) • Export/Import of user presets added (for backup purposes), accessible via Wifi Transfer interface • VoiceOver support improved dramatically: on iOS5 you can now play the instrument on the main play area without switching out of VoiceOver mode. Sliders are now more accessible, properly announcing their name and value, as well as being swipe adjustable. • Split multi-instrument presets can now be saved • Can now specify category for user-created instruments • Added options parameter to specify the concert A reference tuning in Hz

2.1

-- NEWS -- there have been reports of new bugs in this version regarding looping that are currently being tracked down. Another update will follow shortly after those are fixed.....

Please remember to send any feedback to support@thumbjam.com or the forums at thumbjam.com. We like to help out our users, but cannot respond to App Store reviews!

New Features:

• Allows background recording, when TJ is being controlled by other MIDI-enable software or hardware, records both the generated audio and the incoming MIDI. • MIDI Thru mode option (translates scale lock mode if enabled) • Added Instrument Mute option which silences instrument audio output (Sound->Volume), useful when using ThumbJam as a MIDI controller • MIDI file export of active loops with 'Open In' in another app, or via email. Now puts all loops into a single Type 1 MIDI file, one track per loop. • Now responds to MIDI bank and program change messages, to change the loaded instrument, or quick key/scale slot (see manual for details) • Export/Import of user presets added (for backup purposes), accessible via Wifi Transfer interface • VoiceOver support improved dramatically: on iOS5 you can now play the instrument on the main play area without switching out of VoiceOver mode. Sliders are now more accessible, properly announcing their name and value, as well as being swipe adjustable. • Split multi-instrument presets can now be saved • Can now specify category for user-created instruments • Added options parameter to specify the concert A reference tuning in Hz

2.0

ThumbJam version 2.0 is a major update with many new features, including full CoreMidi support, new import and export options, custom scales, mic input control, and much more.....

MIDI Support Updates

** Supports CoreMidi via wifi and wired with the iPad camera connection kit and USB midi interfaces (in/out). ** Line6 MidiMobilizer support for midi in/out ** Akai SynthStation support for in/out. ** There is midi input support for all of the above so you can play the ThumbJam instruments with external controllers. ** Virtual midi port support for communicating directly between apps running on the same device. You can use other controller apps to play TJ running in the background, or use TJ as a controller to play other synths. Full poly bends and note tie support for smooth continuous bending with compatible controller apps. ** Cool new feature for midi input, Scale Lock. When enabled all note input is mapped to the currently selected scale. For instance, if you play up the keyboard on adjacent white keys you get the next note of the selected scale for each white key pressed. It's surprisingly playable, like the ThumbJam equivalent for keyboard controllers. ** The mod wheel controls parameters selected as an x-axis control or v.tilt volume, using whatever ranges are configured in the patch. ** Recorded audio loops now save a corresponding midi file alongside for later import into sequencers, etc.

Instruments:

** Support for instruments based on stereo samples ** Several new synth instruments built-in ** More on the way via free in-app download

Loop Mixdown

** New options for mixing down the current active audible loops to a single WAV file. **A similar feature in the loop mixer to let you bounce the active loops down into a new loop, while muting the originals.

Scales

** Make your own custom scales in the app. ** Quick-change scale/key user preset buttons now available. ** Split screen now supports different scales on each side, as well as key. ** New set of Indian scales to more accurately represent common usage.

Effects updates:

** Reverb now has separate sends for each loop. ** Resonant low-pass filter now available, with X-axis or tilt controls for cutoff and resonance.

Import/Export/Copy/Paste:

** SoundCloud audio sharing support added. Easy sharing of loop mix-down, session or arbitrary audio file to SoundCloud, with integrated optional posting to Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr (via soundcloud mechanism). ** The Copy/Paste (now Export/Import) page lets you choose to mixdown the current active loops and copy that to the clipboard, or do the usual browse thing. ** Added option for Paste, to immediately make a pasted loop the actively playing loop. ** ThumbJam can now import Instruments, LoopSets (in ZIP files) and audio files from Mail attachments, Safari web browsing, or other apps that handle documents. ** iTunes Document Sharing support for direct import or export from your computer.

Miscellaneous: ** New visual look. ** Ability to load two instruments simultaneously for quick switching, or play using split screen. ** New additional sidebar for access to more controls quickly ** New mic input control mode, play the ThumbJam instruments by singing, humming or from playing anything that produces pitch into the mic! Very responsive pitch tracking, a really fun alternative input method. MIDI output from it is also produced, so you can use it as a realtime audio to MIDI setup. ** Bluetooth audio output now works when available. ** Improved tuner during sample recording and instrument creation. ** Sustain bar available to make it easier to sustain notes ** Pitch sidebar can more precisely set the note range on screen, not restricted to octave boundaries.

1.3.2

Mar 21, 2011

Now works properly on the iPad 2.

If you don't have an iPad 2 and already have v1.3.1 there is no need to update yet.

1.3.1

Feb 1, 2011

IMPORTANT NOTE - this version does not properly function on the new iPad 2. An update that fixes it is currently awaiting approval by Apple and will be available shortly!

This is a bug-fix only release, be sure to stay tuned for a new feature release sometime in the next month.

- Fixed issue where ThumbJam would reactivate in the background without proper cause.

- Fixed issue that caused occasional silencing of audio when returning to the app.

- Increased maximum simultaneous number of touches to 11 for the iPad, and eliminate stuck notes.

- Fixed issue with pitch bend not being reset properly when dragging to a new note.

Remember, if you have questions or suggestions, please ask on the forums at thumbjam.com or via email at support@thumbjam.com. We cannot provide feedback on iTunes App Store reviews, which is frustrating when we have the answers you need!

1.3

Jul 26, 2010

Version 1.3 fixes the lack of sound issue for iPod touch devices.

It also adds native iPad support! This is just the beginning for the iPad version. Look forward to more updates that further take advantage of iPad-specific features.

PLEASE update your reviews and ratings to reflect the capabilities of this version! Again, we are very sorry for the extended delay on this fix.

Also if you have questions or suggestions, please ask on the forums at thumbjam.com or via email at support@thumbjam.com. We cannot provide feedback on iTunes App Store reviews, which is frustrating when we have the answers you need.

-----

Features from 1.2.x still worth mentioning:

Includes support for fast switching and background audio operation (if loops are playing) under iOS4.

=== Metronome and Looping ===

- Metronome added with a selection of sounds - Set tempo directly or tapping - Specify number of beats per bar - A fixed loop length option lets you specify ahead of time how long of a loop you want to record in bars. - More lenient timing when ending loops - Added support for recording loops with the microphone (internal on iphones, and/or externally connected for all devices)

=== MIDI and OSC live output ===

You can now use ThumbJam as a MIDI or OSC controller over wifi for software instruments or midi sequencers on your computer. Look at the Prefs->Remote Control page to enable these features. For the MIDI output you will need to the DSMIDIWiFi server software on your Mac/Windows/Linux PC found at http://dsmi.tobw.net to receive the MIDI data. For best results connect your device and computer using an ad-hoc wireless network directly between them. See the forums at thumbjam.com for more detailed instructions, and for a description of the OSC messages sent.

1.2.1

Jun 28, 2010

=== iOS4 Support ===

ThumbJam v1.2.1 includes support for fast switching and background audio operation (if loops are playing) under iOS4. The crashing issues that were in v1.2 are now resolved, however iPod touch users are reporting lack of sound with this version. DO NOT update if you use an iPod touch. Many apologies.... the next version is currently awaiting approval by Apple, so not much longer to wait.

=== Metronome and Looping Updates ===

- Metronome added with a selection of sounds

- Set tempo directly or tapping

- Specify number of beats per bar

- Fixed loop length option lets you specify ahead of time how long of a loop you want to record in bars.

- More lenient timing when ending loops

- Added support for recording loops with the microphone when using one of the faster devices (excludes iPhone 1g,3g, iPod 1g,2g)

=== MIDI and OSC live output ===

You can now use ThumbJam as a MIDI or OSC controller over wifi for software instruments or midi sequencers on your computer. Look at the Prefs->Remote Control page to enable these features. For the MIDI output you will need to the DSMIDIWiFi server software on your Mac/Windows/Linux PC found at http://dsmi.tobw.net to receive the MIDI data. For best results connect your device and computer using an ad-hoc wireless network directly between them. See the forums at thumbjam.com for more detailed instructions, and for a description of the OSC messages sent.

=== Other Updates ===

- New Viola instrument to round out your string quartet

- Split-screen ability increases playable note space while also allowing for independent setting of key and note range per side.

Toggle the split-screen feature from the key change popup in the key controls sidebar.

- Added inverted tilt option for pitch control

- In-app news added to notify users of new available instruments, loops, or other tips

1.2

Jun 23, 2010

***** WARNING *******

Version 1.2 still has some reproducible crashing issues on iOS4 with iPhones or Touches with a connected mic. An update (v1.2.1) that fixes these issues has already been submitted for approval. If you are on iOS4, please wait for that version before updating. iPhone OS 3.x is unaffected. I know you just want to jam, and I apologize for the inconvenience!

=== Metronome and Looping Updates ===

- Metronome added with a selection of sounds

- Set tempo directly or tapping

- Specify number of beats per bar

- Fixed loop length option lets you specify ahead of time how long of a loop you want to record in bars.

- More lenient timing when ending loops

=== MIDI and OSC live output ===

You can now use ThumbJam as a MIDI or OSC controller over wifi for software instruments or midi sequencers on your computer. Look at the Prefs->Remote Control page to enable these features. For the MIDI output you will need to the DSMIDIWiFi server software on your Mac/Windows/Linux PC found at http://dsmi.tobw.net to receive the MIDI data. For best results connect your device and computer using an ad-hoc wireless network directly between them. See the forums at thumbjam.com for more detailed instructions, and for a description of the OSC messages sent.

=== Other Updates ===

- New Viola instrument to round out your string quartet

- Split-screen ability increases playable note space while also allowing for independent setting of key and note range per side.

Toggle the split-screen feature from the key change popup in the key controls sidebar.

- Added inverted tilt option for pitch control

- In-app news added to notify users of new available instruments, loops, or other tips

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5

7 Ratings

7 Ratings

Pretty good

Oct 4, 2016

Swibbo

I've found this app to be both excellent and frustrating in equal measure. The sound samples are great, as realistic as many expensive sound stations or keyboards I've used. I do find the interface a bit confusing sometimes though. And also had a couple of issues exporting stuff but I think this was highlighted with a note by the developers when the new update hit (losing of data if not selected). Another thing I'd like to see addressed is the addition of a conventional keyboard layout as an option. 1 octave would be fine although it could be expanded via the "span" button to more. I'm a semi-pro musician and whilst I understand much about different scales and modes etc., I would kill the option to have a "proper keyboard" to use. Otherwise I find I'm constantly customising scales in order to remove any notes I don't want. And an easier to navigate UI would be good. Can't fault the sampling though and I have made some good sounding stuff with this so no HUGE complaints from me. Also, the recording through a mic facility where you hum or play another instrument is not entirely reliable. It seems to hit the correct notes (if you've picked the correct scale), but quite often even if there is no noise being generated and I'm in a quiet environment, there is a high note coming from which makes it fairly unusable. I've tried altering the three settings but doesn't really help. Good overall though.

Pretty good

Oct 4, 2016

Swibbo

I've found this app to be both excellent and frustrating in equal measure. The sound samples are great, as realistic as many expensive sound stations or keyboards I've used. I do find the interface a bit confusing sometimes though. And also had a couple of issues exporting stuff but I think this was highlighted with a note by the developers when the new update hit (losing of data if not selected). Another thing I'd like to see addressed is the addition of a conventional keyboard layout as an option. 1 octave would be fine although it could be expanded via the "span" button to more. I'm a semi-pro musician and whilst I understand much about different scales and modes etc., I would kill the option to have a "proper keyboard" to use. Otherwise I find I'm constantly customising scales in order to remove any notes I don't want. And an easier to navigate UI would be good. Can't fault the sampling though and I have made some good sounding stuff with this so no HUGE complaints from me. Also, the recording through a mic facility where you hum or play another instrument is not entirely reliable. It seems to hit the correct notes (if you've picked the correct scale), but quite often even if there is no noise being generated and I'm in a quiet environment, there is a high note coming from which makes it fairly unusable. I've tried altering the three settings but doesn't really help. Good overall though.

Hats off to the developer

Feb 2, 2018

Franz Sonik

I make/perform music daily with extremely physically and cognitively disabled students and ThumbJam has enabled them to be fully involved in the process and to simply become musicians in their own rights. It is truly amazing to witness someone with PMLD play their iPad with their nose, chin or with the tiniest finger mouvement. This is made possible thanks to the clever design and high level of customisation of the app. Also, as others have mentioned before, the instruments samples are great sounding and imparting realism and expression in the playing is a slide or a shake of a finger away. I don’t know if the developer is aware of the immense impact his app is having in terms of enabling people with SEN/PMLD to express themselves musically... On my and their behalf, many, many thanks indeed.

Hats off to the developer

Feb 2, 2018

Franz Sonik

I make/perform music daily with extremely physically and cognitively disabled students and ThumbJam has enabled them to be fully involved in the process and to simply become musicians in their own rights. It is truly amazing to witness someone with PMLD play their iPad with their nose, chin or with the tiniest finger mouvement. This is made possible thanks to the clever design and high level of customisation of the app. Also, as others have mentioned before, the instruments samples are great sounding and imparting realism and expression in the playing is a slide or a shake of a finger away. I don’t know if the developer is aware of the immense impact his app is having in terms of enabling people with SEN/PMLD to express themselves musically... On my and their behalf, many, many thanks indeed.

One of the best apps on my device

Sep 6, 2017

Sunburst335

This amazing app is incredible in most ways and is probably the best value for money there is on the appstore. The instruments sound beautiful and can be played so easily and with so much expression. There just isn't the time or space to go through all its many fine points and very few (if any) negative ones. I just need more time to really use this fully. The only other app to equal this is one is DrumJam, by the same developer. Thank you to the developers for producing such a gem.

One of the best apps on my device

Sep 6, 2017

Sunburst335

This amazing app is incredible in most ways and is probably the best value for money there is on the appstore. The instruments sound beautiful and can be played so easily and with so much expression. There just isn't the time or space to go through all its many fine points and very few (if any) negative ones. I just need more time to really use this fully. The only other app to equal this is one is DrumJam, by the same developer. Thank you to the developers for producing such a gem.